Shaken is a compulsory safety inspection, which cars in Japan have to undergo every two years, except new cars, for which the first inspection is not due until three years after purchase. The shaken typically costs between 100,000 and 1,700 $ (200,000 Yen), and besides the actual inspection includes a weight tax (typically 20,000 to 870 $ (100,000 Yen)) and a mandatory insurance (about 260 $ (30,000 Yen)).

Since the mandatory insurance does not provide full coverage, it is recommended to purchase additional, optional car insurance. Furthermore, there is an annual automobile tax, which depends on the engine size and is typically between 10,000 and 430 $ (50,000 Yen), and an acquisition tax to be paid when you buy the car.

When acquiring a car, numerous documents have to be filled out, including forms to register your car and to verify ownership of a parking space. If you buy a used car, the process is further complicated by forms regulating the transfer of ownership.

Fortunately, if you buy a car through a car dealer, the dealer will handle most of the paperwork for you, while your main task is signing the forms with your officially registered, personal stamp (inkan).